William Saliba’s agent was in London ahead of Arsenal’s match against Bournemouth this weekend, as contract negotiations continue.

LONDON, ENGLAND: William Saliba of Arsenal celebrates after the team's victory during the Premier League match between Tottenham Hotspur and Arsenal FC at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium on January 15, 2023. (Photo by Clive Rose/Getty Images)
LONDON, ENGLAND: William Saliba of Arsenal celebrates after the team’s victory during the Premier League match between Tottenham Hotspur and Arsenal FC at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium on January 15, 2023. (Photo by Clive Rose/Getty Images)

Posting on his Instagram story on Friday, William Saliba’s agent Djibril Niang shared a photo of the Emirates Stadium, tagging his location at the Gunners’ home ground.

Niang’s trip to London follows reports that Arsenal are now prioritising a new deal for the centre-back after reaching an agreement in principle with Bukayo Saka.

Fabrizio Romano wrote that negotiations are ongoing, and Saliba wants to stay. But talks continue over almost every aspect of the new contract, including the salary and its structure, so the deal isn’t at the final stages yet.

Speaking in his press conference ahead of the weekend, Mikel Arteta was non-committal on Saka and Saliba’s contract situations.

Latest Arsenal injury updates and news

“Every player is very important,” Arteta said. “There are players with special circumstances contractually. We are trying to deal with them.

“But I don’t want to cause any distraction with any of those conversations at this moment. Whenever something is ready to get done and it’s good news, we will announce it.”

Arsenal's Brazilian midfielder Gabriel Martinelli (R) celebrates with Arsenal's Portuguese midfielder Fabio Vieira (C) and Arsenal's French defender William Saliba (L) after scoring their fourth goal during the English Premier League football match between Aston Villa and Arsenal at Villa Park in Birmingham, central England on February 18, 2023. - Arsenal won the game 4-2. (Photo by GEOFF CADDICK/AFP via Getty Images)
Arsenal’s Brazilian midfielder Gabriel Martinelli (R) celebrates with Arsenal’s Portuguese midfielder Fabio Vieira (C) and Arsenal’s French defender William Saliba (L) after scoring their fourth goal during the English Premier League football match between Aston Villa and Arsenal at Villa Park in Birmingham, central England on February 18, 2023. (Photo by GEOFF CADDICK/AFP via Getty Images)

Going into the season, Arsenal were faced with three major expiring contracts for Gabriel Martinelli, Saka, and Saliba.

Martinelli signed a new deal last month, which could run all the way to 2028 if Arsenal utilise their option to extend.

Saka has now agreed terms on a deal as well, also lasting until 2028 – if and when he signs it.

That just leaves Saliba, and the fact the centre-back wants to stick around is an encouraging sign for those talks eventually reaching a positive conclusion as well.

Saliba’s camp rejected Arsenal’s last contract offer, with a significant difference between the player’s demands and the Gunners’ proposal.

The Athletic recently reported that one of the reasons that Saliba’s contract remains unsigned is that Arsenal weren’t offering a wage that his representatives feel is fair considering the length of time they want him to time him down for.

But all sides remain willing to agree on an extension, and Arsenal are confident they’ll find that agreement.

The centre-back’s current contract expires in 2024, after Arsenal recently took up their option to extend it.

Latest Arsenal injury updates and news